Biting into Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp is a true flavor adventure: think sweet, smoky, spicy, and tangy all perfectly balanced atop juicy grilled shrimp. This dish brings together tropical mango, zippy jalapeño, and a lick-your-fingers BBQ sauce for a lively main course that begs to be shared. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or your next cookout, one bite of these shrimp and you’ll be dreaming of sunshine, citrus, and just the right touch of heat. They’re quick to make, downright gorgeous to serve, and always disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp, the magic is in a few simple, fresh ingredients that work together to deliver huge flavor. Every element here plays a starring role, from the ripe mango’s sweetness to a slick of olive oil ensuring perfect grill marks and irresistible texture.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined with the tails left on gives you both beauty and convenience for grilling and eating.
- Mango: A ripe, juicy mango lends natural sweetness and body to the homemade BBQ sauce.
- Jalapeño Pepper: Seeded and finely chopped for customizable heat; leave the seeds in if you like more spice.
- Olive Oil: Helps the shrimp stay juicy and prevents sticking on the grill.
- BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand or a homemade variety adds smokiness and depth.
- Lime Juice: Gives brightness that brings all the flavors to life.
- Honey: Adds a lovely sticky finish and balances the tang and heat.
- Garlic: Two freshly minced cloves for bold, aromatic notes.
- Smoked Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness that feels just right with grilled seafood.
- Salt & Pepper: Enhances every other ingredient; don’t skimp here.
- Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkled on top for a vibrant pop of color and herbal freshness.
- Lime Wedges: For squeezing at the table and an extra burst of citrus.
How to Make Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp
Step 1: Whip Up the BBQ Sauce
Start by teaming together your mango, jalapeño, BBQ sauce, fresh lime juice, honey, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blitz until everything is ultra-smooth and blended. You’ll notice the sauce is a gorgeous golden-orange with flecks of green from the jalapeño—a preview of the flavor-packed meal ahead!
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
In a large bowl, toss your shrimp with olive oil to give them a glossy coat. Pour half of your dazzling mango jalapeño BBQ sauce over the shrimp and turn them so each piece is well coated. Let the shrimp soak up all those flavors for 15 to 20 minutes. This quick marinade gives the shrimp big flavor without any wait.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep for Grilling
Fire up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers—metal or wooden both work (just remember to soak wooden skewers first to prevent burning). This step makes grilling a breeze and adds a fun, shareable twist to serving Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Lay your shrimp skewers onto the hot grill. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until the shrimp are opaque, slightly charred around the edges, and full of smoky aroma. Watch them closely—they cook fast and you want them tender, never rubbery!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Slide the hot grilled shrimp off the skewers onto a platter, then drizzle them generously with the reserved mango jalapeño BBQ sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and nestle a few lime wedges on the side. The colors and aroma are irresistible!
How to Serve Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp
Garnishes
A final shower of fresh cilantro brings cool herbal notes that play up the tangy, spicy flavors of Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp. Serve with lime wedges to let everyone add a personal squeeze of brightness—right at the table, these little touches make all the difference!
Side Dishes
Pair Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp with coconut rice or a simple green salad to keep things summery and balanced. Steamed jasmine rice, grilled vegetables, or even a platter of tropical fruit are fantastic companion dishes, letting the shrimp take center stage but never go lonely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopper at your next party, pile the shrimp onto a wooden board with the sauce on the side for dipping, or serve them on skewers for easy, mess-free eating. They’re also amazing over tacos, scattered on top of leafy greens, or tucked into lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, store your Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the reserved sauce in a separate container to maintain the best texture and flavors.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked shrimp for up to a month. Lay them out in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to an airtight bag or container. The sauce can be frozen too, but its texture may change slightly after thawing—just give it a good stir before using.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave just until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough quickly. Add a spoonful of the reserved sauce to refresh the flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp without a grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan on the stovetop works wonders, or try broiling the shrimp in the oven for a few minutes per side until they’re just cooked through with a nice char.
Is there a way to make the dish spicier or milder?
Definitely. If you love heat, keep the jalapeño seeds or add a second pepper altogether. For a milder take, remove all seeds and ribs, or use just half a jalapeño.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp (thawed, peeled, and deveined) work perfectly for Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp. Just make sure to pat them dry before marinating so the sauce sticks nicely.
What type Main Course
A classic smoky barbecue sauce makes the sweet and spicy flavors shine, but feel free to use a honey-based or spicy variety for a different twist.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook lightning-fast! As soon as they turn pink, opaque, and curl up, they’re ready to eat. Avoid overcooking or they’ll become rubbery instead of juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to amp up your shrimp game, Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp is calling your name. It’s a simple recipe with stunning results—colorful, bold, and absolutely packed with flavor. Give it a try at your next gathering or quiet night in, and get ready for rave reviews!
Print
Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Succulent shrimp are marinated in a luscious mango jalapeño BBQ sauce, then grilled to perfection. Serve these flavorful shrimp skewers with a side of coconut rice or a fresh summer salad for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the mango, jalapeño, BBQ sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, then pour half of the mango jalapeño BBQ sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving. Let the shrimp marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Grill the shrimp: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2–3 minutes per side or until opaque and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and drizzle with the reserved sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For a spicier version, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a second pepper.
- You can also broil the shrimp if a grill isn’t available.
- This dish pairs well with coconut rice or a simple summer salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound shrimp with sauce
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
